Premier Number Weekend Opening Party

Premier Numbers of 2026 Vaillancourt Chalkware!

While our chalkware is most often associated with the holiday season, spring marks a special time for collectors—the chance to acquire the coveted “Premier Numbers.” Each piece in our Chalkware Collection is assigned a number in the order in which it is painted, and the lowest numbers (1 through 10) are reserved for this exclusive event. The Premier Number Kickoff has become a beloved tradition, offering a wonderful opportunity for collectors from across the region to meet, share their passion, and enjoy time with the Vaillancourt family and staff.

Premier Number Details:

Beginning at 9:00am, when our Retail Gallery opens on the day of the Premier Number Kickoff Party, collectors are invited to visit the gallery during business hours to enter their name into the selection pool—one entry per person. This process determines the order in which collectors will have the opportunity to purchase up to two (2) Premier Number pieces from the new Chalkware Collection (once all collectors have made their selections, any remaining Premier Number chalkware may be purchased).

At 5:00pm, when the Premier Number Kickoff Party officially begins, all participating collectors’ names will be randomly displayed to establish the selection order. This approach ensures that every attendee—whether they visit early in the day or join us that evening—has an equal opportunity to secure a low-numbered piece, including the highly sought-after Number 1.

For those unable to attend in person, online and phone pre-orders placed before the event will begin fulfillment on Sunday. These online and phone pre-orders will be processed in the order they were received, assigned the next available Premier Numbers, and shipped on Monday.

Join us for this cherished annual tradition, where craftsmanship, community, and celebration come together to honor the artistry of Vaillancourt Folk Art’s 2026 Chalkware Collection.

Questions & Answers

Q: What happens if I have already pre-ordered pieces online but want to come to the event?
A: Consider your pieces reserved and pre-paid! Your pre-order has been filled in the order in which it was placed; there is a possibility that by attending in person you’ll be able to choose a lower number of the items you’ve chosen. If that is the case, you’re welcome to choose those numbers and we will “swap” out items that are held for you. This is an ideal situation if you’re on the fence about joining us but want to make certain that you are able to get the lowest number!

Q: What numbers are available?
A: Each piece of the new Chalkware Collection will have a #1 through #10 reserved exclusively for in-store collectors. If a piece is being released from exclusivity, then the lowest number available will be available for purchase. Online pre-orders will begin with #11 and filled in the order in which they were placed.

Q: Will Judi be on hand to sign my pieces?
A: Yes, but in some cases Judi has pre-signed many pieces to help with flow of the event.

Q: I’m not a “Collector” can I still come?
A: Whether you’ve purchase one item or three-thousand items, we consider you a “collector” and warmly invite you to join us and other Collectors in celebrating the release of the newest Chalkware collection!

Q: What are your Retail Gallery hours for the day?
A: We are open regular retail hours—open at 9am. However, the new Chalkware Collection will not be available until 5pm.